Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Jenkinsons Beach feels like a postcard your grandparents might have sent in 1968—and that's precisely its appeal. The sand stretches wide and flat at low tide, giving young builders ample room to engineer moats and towers while parents stake out spots beneath rented umbrellas. The water temperature hovers in the upper sixties by July, cold enough to make you gasp on entry but warm enough that you'll stay in longer than planned. The adjacent boardwalk delivers everything a family beach requires without veering into theme-park excess. You'll find a small aquarium where touch tanks let children prod horseshoe crabs, an arcade that still dispenses tickets, and pizza joints serving slices so large they fold under their own weight. The beach itself is meticulously groomed each morning, lifeguard stands positioned every few hundred feet. What sets this stretch apart is its refusal to oversell itself. There are no mega-resorts shadowing the sand, no beach clubs with velvet ropes. Instead, you get straightforward access, reasonable badge fees, and the kind of uncomplicated summer day where the biggest decision is whether to ride the Ferris wheel before or after dinner. The locals return year after year not because Jenkinsons dazzles, but because it delivers exactly what it promises.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Jenkinsons Beach.
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Jenkinson's Beach is generally safe for families with children. The beach employs lifeguards during summer season, typically from late May through early September. The water is usually calm with gradual depth changes, making it suitable for younger swimmers. The beach is regularly maintained and monitored. Always swim near lifeguard stations, observe posted flags and warnings, and supervise children closely. Water conditions can vary with weather and tides, so check daily beach reports before visiting.
Peak season runs from June through August, offering warmest water temperatures (68-74°F) and full amenities, though crowds are heaviest. For fewer crowds with pleasant weather, visit during shoulder seasons: late May, early June, or September. The beach is accessible year-round for walking and off-season activities. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends during summer. Weather is typically humid and warm in summer, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures but beautiful beach walking conditions.
Jenkinson's Beach offers metered street parking along Ocean Avenue and surrounding streets. Municipal parking lots are available within walking distance of the beach, with rates varying by season. Summer parking typically costs more, with daily rates ranging from approximately $15-30 depending on location and day of week. Arrive early during peak season as parking fills quickly, especially on weekends. Some lots offer hourly options. The Jenkinson's Boardwalk area has additional paid parking lots. Check Point Pleasant Beach's official parking information for current rates.
Jenkinson's Boardwalk, adjacent to the beach, features numerous restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and snack stands offering pizza, seafood, burgers, and boardwalk favorites. The beach has restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing facilities. The boardwalk includes Jenkinson's Aquarium, arcade games, and rides. Nearby Ocean Avenue has additional dining options and shops. Beach badge checkers are present during summer. Several hotels and motels are within walking distance along Ocean Avenue. Beach equipment rentals may be available seasonally through local vendors.
Yes, Jenkinson's Beach requires beach badges from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Daily badges and seasonal passes are available for purchase. Beach badge checkers patrol regularly during summer months. Badges can typically be purchased at beach entrances, the municipal building, or online through Point Pleasant Beach's official website. Children under a certain age (often 12 or under) may enter free. Prices vary by season type and age, with seasonal passes offering better value for extended stays. Keep your badge visible while on the beach.
